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Among the many ways to get to Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong – an island famous for its pristine beaches, unspoiled national park, and peaceful fishing villages – perhaps few would imagine that a ferry ride from Got Pier is one of the most memorable experiences. Unlike the hurried speedboat journey or the brief cable car ride, the ferry trip offers a slow, relaxed pace, where you can listen to the waves, breathe in the salty sea air, and feel the landscape gradually change as you approach the island.
Previously, traveling to Gót ferry terminal was a concern for many tourists due to the inconvenient transportation system. However, since the opening of Vietnam's longest sea bridge – the Tân Vũ - Lạch Huyện bridge – in 2018, the distance and travel time have been significantly shortened.
A journey on the waves: Experience the ferry ride from Gót pier to Cát Bà island.
Now, from the center of Hai Phong city, it only takes about 30-40 minutes by car to reach Got Wharf quickly and easily. What makes many people choose to take the ferry instead of the speedboat or cable car is the unique experience.
The 30-40 minute ferry ride from Gót pier to Cái Viềng pier on Cát Bà island isn't long, but it's enough time to immerse yourself in nature. From the ferry cabin, visitors can admire the vast open sea with small fishing boats, the majestic limestone mountains in the distance, and the deep blue water stretching to the horizon.
"This is my first time in Hai Phong. We initially planned to take the cable car to the island, but then my family decided to turn back out of curiosity about these ferries. When we got on the ferry, we were surprised by its enormous capacity, much larger than I imagined. There was even a waiting area on the second floor. I tried a bowl of sausage noodles and it was surprisingly delicious. A fantastic experience!" - shared Mr. Hoang Ngoc Dung from Thanh Hoa.
Through the window on the ferry
In the early morning or at sunset, the sea surface glows with a golden-orange hue, reflecting the brilliant sunlight to create an unforgettable, poetic scene. The ferry system at Gót pier is well-organized and operates frequently, especially during peak season. On average, there are about 23 to 26 ferry trips per day, with a ferry arriving and departing between Gót pier and Cái Viềng pier every 30 minutes. This helps tourists avoid worrying too much about time or crowding on the ferry. If the previous trip is too crowded, you can leisurely wait for the next one without wasting much time.
Got Ferry Terminal is also divided into two distinct areas: the first is for passenger ferries – these are large ferries with a capacity of hundreds of passengers and vehicles such as motorbikes and cars, transporting passengers from Got Terminal to Cai Vieng Terminal and vice versa; the second is for speedboats and yachts, mainly serving high-end tours, resorts, or routes to Phu Long Terminal, where many yachts are moored overnight. On each ferry trip, passengers will experience an open space, close to nature.
Ferries typically have two decks: the lower deck houses the vessel and a seating area for passengers, while the upper deck is covered and features comfortable seating for passengers to enjoy the journey. Notably, the second deck also includes a small lounge with a bar serving snacks, drinks, and coffee – perfect for enjoying a refreshing beverage while admiring the sea view.
Enjoying the view through the ferry's window is a truly relaxing experience.
The second floor also features a small lounge area with a bar serving snacks.
Slow down to see the blue sea more clearly.
The atmosphere on the ferry has a unique charm, both lively and peaceful. The murmur of laughter, the gentle lapping of waves against the ferry's sides, and the salty sea breeze create a relaxing and pleasant feeling for everyone. For many, the moment of sitting on the ferry deck, gazing into the distance, and feeling the gentle waves rippling beneath their feet is when the true journey begins.
Each season, Gót ferry terminal adjusts its operating hours to suit travel demand. In the summer, the ferry operates from 4:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with longer hours on weekends and holidays. In the winter, when passenger numbers are lower, operating hours are shortened, starting at 5:00 AM and ending at 6:30 PM. This flexibility allows Gót ferry terminal to maintain its proactive approach and effectively serve all types of passengers, from tourists to local residents.
The ferry has a large capacity, capable of carrying more than 10 cars, dozens of motorbikes, and hundreds of passengers.
One of the things that makes ferry travel so appealing is its simple, unpretentious yet thoughtful and reliable operation. Ferry tickets can be purchased directly at the pier, and the prices are quite affordable, ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 VND per trip for pedestrians or motorbikes, and higher for cars. The boarding process is organized in an orderly manner, with clear guidance from coordinators, ensuring passengers don't feel confused or disorganized.
The ferry also has a public address system announcing the route and providing safety reminders, creating a sense of security for passengers. During the journey from Gót pier to Cát Bà island, in addition to enjoying the natural scenery, tourists also have the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the coastal people, the small fishing boats, and the floating seafood farms – all creating a vibrant and lively picture of the Northern coastal region. When the ferry docks at Cái Viềng pier, you will immediately feel a noticeable change in the surroundings.
Experience luxury while floating on the island.
From a bustling ferry terminal, you step into another world – where the lush green Cat Ba National Park welcomes you with tranquility, where winding roads snake around cliffs and the scent of the forest wafts in the breeze. From Cai Vieng, you can continue by motorbike, car, or bus for about 20 km to reach the center of Cat Ba town, where you'll find hotels, restaurants, beaches, and many attractive tours.
Whether you want to conquer Lan Ha Bay, explore Quan Y Cave, or visit Cai Beo fishing village, every journey begins at its first destination – Got Ferry Terminal. When asked about their first impression of Cat Ba, many recall their first ferry ride – not because it was modern or luxurious, but because in that very moment, they began to see the island in the distance, began to feel its separation from the mainland, and realized they were about to enter a completely different world, where the sea and the forest meet, and time seems to slow down.
It can be said that while cable cars offer speed, convenience, and panoramic views from above, ferries possess a unique, poetic charm—intimate, rustic, yet profoundly serene. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Cat Ba, try choosing a ferry as your mode of transportation. It's not just about arriving, but about truly beginning your journey in a profound way. It's about living in the moment amidst the sea and sky, and leaving with a gentle yet unforgettable memory of your trip.
An experience you should try at least once when visiting Cat Ba, Hai Phong.
